Detroit Lions and Ford Motor Co. chairman passes away at 88

Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford, who was also the last surviving grandchild of automotive pioneer Henry Ford has passed away at the age of 88.

Ford Motor Co. have said that Ford, who helped steer the family business for more than five decades, died of pneumonia at his home, the report added.

According to CBS, Ford served as an employee and board member of the automaker for more than half of its 100-year history and he also bought one of his own, the NFL franchise in the Motor City, half a century ago.

Executive chairman of Ford Motor Co. and Lions vice chairman William Clay Ford Jr. has said that his father was a great business leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to the company and the community and added that he was also a wonderful family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Lions President Tom Lewand said that Ford, who was regarded as a dignified man by the select few who seemed to know him well, was very passionate and loved his team, Detroit Lions, a lot and his leadership, integrity, kindness, humility and good humour were matched only by his desire to bring a Super Bowl championship to the Lions and to their community, the report added.